Badoo is proud to support the Internet Watch Foundation, which this year is celebrating 15 years of fighting criminal content online. Protecting the safety and privacy of all our users is very important to us, and this is why we not only engage with self-regulatory bodies like the IWF, the Information Commission and the EU Social Networks Group, but also work hard to give you the best tools to control how much information you make available to other people.
There are lots of things you can do to make sure that your Badoo experience is not only fun, but safe too. So here’s a friendly reminder of our top 10 safety tips for protecting yourself when using Badoo to meet new people:
1 – If you do not want your exact location to be known, you can turn off your location services using the following method:
iPhone and Android app: Badoo>Profile>Privacy>Show distance>off (this means that your profile will only show which city you are in, but not how far away from other users you are)
2 – Never share your password with anybody, even friends. If you loose or give out your password for any reason, change it straight away on the settings page and let us know via the feedback page.
3 – Don’t give out any personal or financial information on your profile. This includes your full name, credit card details, email or physical address.
4 – Beware of hoaxes, especially people who claim to be in trouble and needing money, or telling you that they work for Badoo and that you’ve won a prize. Any promotions we run should be listed on our website, but if in doubt just contact us directly through the feedback page.
5 – Use only your first name on your profile. Choosing a provocative or controversial username can attract the wrong sort of attention.
6 – Don’t put up with harassment: Report any kind of inappropriate behaviour or abuse to our team via the feedback page. If any user makes you feel uncomfortable, you can use the block function to stop any further contact.
7 – When deciding to meet someone in person, always try to talk to them on the phone first.
8 – Tell friends where you are planning to go and arrange for a check-up phone call or text. Bring a charged mobile with credit and let your friends know when you get home safely.
9 – Arrange your own transport to the meeting place, and make sure this is somewhere public and during daylight hours. Never give out your address until you really get to know the person.
10 – Make sure you are sober and don’t drink too much after you have met up. Also keep your drinks and belongings near you at all times.
Just like in real life, meeting new people on Badoo is a great adventure, but just like in real life you also have to use common sense and take precautions to keep yourself safe. By following the simple steps above you can safely join in the chatting, flirting and fun!